Camper seat belts

[sheldon]

Has annyone had any experience with law enforcement regarding passengers in a camper. In searching the California DMV web site the only items I came accross was:



A means of signaling the driver from the camper.

An exit from the camper accessable from inside or outside the camper.

A federally approved restraint system.



The first two are easy. The last one is confusing. I have seen people using camper shell carpet kits that seems to get passed the CHP officer. I am guessing if I get and install seatbelts that are federally approved, I am OK? I don't plan on having passengers normally but just trying to cover the bases in case I end up in a situation with passengers in the camper.

 

[Blakers]

I think I would just act stupid on this one. Yea know, "Don't ask, don't tell. " Pretty vague law.



Blake

 

[billr]

I'm not sure I understood what you said. Are you talking about a slide-in camper, a camper shell, a tow trailer or a fifth-wheel. I believe that you can have passengers in a 5'ver if you have communications between them and the driver. I can't imagine seat belts on any equipment inside the unit. The couch and chairs are normally not restrained and generally don't move. I don't believe there are many, if any, states that would allow you to have passengers in a tow trailer.



As far as a slide-in or shell there, again, isn't much to attach seat belts to. The biggest worry here would be driving out from under the passengers while racing phords and not having the rear door locked.

 

[sheldon]

I was looking for information on a slide-in camper. I had a very interesting conversation with a CHP information officer today and he seemed to be up on the seatbelt issue. There is no slide in camper that meets the federal DOT approved restraint system and very few 5er trailers. Most motorhomes have a seat or two that meets the standard but not all seats. Next time your in a RV lot look for the signs in the motorhome that says if that seat can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion. The exemptions for seatbelt use in RVs became very restrictive the last couple of years. Even the carpet kits in the back of pickup trucks do not meet the federal DOT approval in California. I don't know how other states enforce this but beware.